Illinois State Museum director dies shortly after appointment to Route 66 Centennial Commission

Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, director of the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, died Saturday less than a month after her appointment to the Route 66 Centennial Commission. Her death was reported by the Springfield State Journal-Register after the Illinois Association of Museums announced it Sunday. She was 50. No cause of death was reported by either the … Continue reading Illinois State Museum director dies shortly after appointment to Route 66 Centennial Commission

Missouri Route 66 association could own historic Gasconade River Bridge by spring

The Route 66 Association of Missouri could take over ownership of the historic Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen by May or June. Gary Sosniecki wrote a report about the association's winter meeting at Route 66 State Park in Eureka for the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society. Association President Rich Dinkela and Vice President … Continue reading Missouri Route 66 association could own historic Gasconade River Bridge by spring

Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma undergoing historic review before rehabilitation work begins

A section of 9-foot-wide Sidewalk Highway, aka Ribbon Road, of Route 66 near Miami, Oklahoma, is undergoing a required Section 106 review before Ottawa County begins work to restore the century-old roadway. Section 106 is a review period required by the National Historic Preservation Act anytime work is imminent on or near historic properties. The … Continue reading Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma undergoing historic review before rehabilitation work begins

Updated fifth edition of “EZ 66 Guide for Travelers” published

Jerry McClanahan, author of the "EZ 66 Guide for Travelers," announced last week an updated fifth edition of the guidebook has been published. The guide, which contains turn-by-turn directions on how to navigate Route 66 both eastbound and westbound, is published by the National Historic Route 66 Federation. McClanahan said in a Facebook post the … Continue reading Updated fifth edition of “EZ 66 Guide for Travelers” published

Route 66 organization urging historic churches to apply for Sacred Places grants

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership last week put out a news release, recommending historic churches along the Mother Road apply for grants from the National Fund for Sacred Places. The grant helps with training, planning grants, technical assistance, capacity-building support and capital grants of up to $250,000 to congregations of all faiths for rehabilitation … Continue reading Route 66 organization urging historic churches to apply for Sacred Places grants

Tulsa Route 66 Commission launches a grant program for events

The Tulsa Route 66 Commission, citing the success of the city's neon-sign grant program, recently announced it would launch a similar grant program for special events. The commission stated in a Facebook post the new program is designed to "encourage heritage tourism and economic development through special Route 66 events and to help Tulsa prepare … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 Commission launches a grant program for events

Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita sets March 25 for relighting ceremony for restored neon sign

The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, announced it would hold a relighting ceremony on March 25 for its soon-to-be-restored neon sign. The Route 66 restaurant posted photos Friday of the sign being removed "so it can be completely refurbished back to its historical glory." The restaurant added it would be the first time in more … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita sets March 25 for relighting ceremony for restored neon sign

Arizona Route 66 Association announces four more grants

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently announced its latest round of grant awards, including to two historic motels. Roger Naylor provided some of the details in the association's quarterly newsletter in January: -- $11,500 to the Route 66 Motel in Kingman to restore its neon sign, including its wiring. The Valmonte family has … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 Association announces four more grants

President Biden to appoint 12 people to Route 66 Centennial Commission

President Joe Biden announced his intent today to appoint 12 people to the Route 66 Centennial Commission. The list contains several people that many in the Route 66 community would know well. Here they are, with short descriptions of each individual, though more extensive biographies can be found in the White House announcement: Caroline Beteta, … Continue reading President Biden to appoint 12 people to Route 66 Centennial Commission

Two Albuquerque Route 66 businesses receive Awards of Excellence

Two Albuquerque businesses with strong Route 66 roots recently received Awards of Excellence from the New Mexico chapter of the NAIOP. In the hospitality division, M'Tucci's Bar Roma at 3222 Centra Ave. (aka Route 66) won an award. The reason for the honor: This 14,340-square-foot location consists of two buildings: the main building is the … Continue reading Two Albuquerque Route 66 businesses receive Awards of Excellence